go with mushroom compost or black cow. Home Depot oughta have both of them. try to mix it with your soil to a depth of about 18 inches. If $$$ are REALLY tight, you can create "pots" in the ground. Dig a hole about 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep. mix your bagged compost with the dirt you remove. shovel the mix back in (you should now have enough fill to create a "mound" on the top) plant your seeds in the center.

Each season, add compost. buy it or make it yourself, but add it. best thing you can do for your soil. I have a red wiggler composting setup going now, and it is doing some WONDERFUL things....

Now THAT sounds do-able. Thanks Gourd Guy! :)

I have another question. I read that, once you mix your compost/manure into your soil, you should let it sit for a month before planting anything in it so you don't burn the plants. Is a month really neccessary? What's the least amount of time I can let it rest before planting in it?

that`s usually only if you`re using fresh manure. that WILL screw up some plants. composted manure is ok straight outta the bag